How to Become a Nanny for the Stars

Written by christy zutautas

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Good nannies genuinely love children. (rock time image by SKYDIVECOP from Fotolia.com)

Nannies who work for famous families get to experience celebrity perks like exotic vacations and luxurious living quarters, but they also have to deal with the pressures associated with a fast-paced lifestyle. Stars usually pay their nannies quite well, but they also have high expectations. Nannies who work for stars need to have a genuine love for children as well as one or more college-level degrees. They also need to have experience working with children and a few glowing references. With a bit of effort and some help from a high-profile nanny agency, you might end up landing your dream job as a nanny for the stars.

Skill level:

Easy

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Things you need

Childcare degree

CPR certificate

First aid certificate

Driver's license

Nanny agency

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Instructions

1

Find out which specific childcare credentials you need to become a high-end nanny. Research the work experience and educational backgrounds of successful celebrity nannies to get an idea of the necessary requirements. Meet with a college or career counsellor to discuss your educational and career options.

Meet with a career counsellor. (A businessman an businesswoman having a meeting image by sumos from Fotolia.com)

2

Get one or more child-related college degrees. A small percentage of nannies find jobs based on their work experience alone but in order to compete with other educated nanny applicants you should get as much child-related education as possible. A degree in early childhood education, child development or child psychology will give you the skills you need and increase your chances of getting a good job. You also need to have quality work experience and a great list of references, so spend time working and volunteering with children.

Work with children in a variety of childcare settings. (mother holding baby #21 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com)

3

Take C.P.R. and first aid classes. Parents want a nanny who can handle emergencies. Think about what celebrity parents look for when choosing a nanny. Get a driver's license if you don't already have one, so you can drop the kids off at school or play-dates. Most stars prefer nannies who can take their children swimming, so if you don't know how to swim, take lessons. Many stars require their nannies to cook nutritious meals for the children, so taking nutrition or cooking classes might give you an extra advantage.

Take swimming lessons. (lady in the pool image by Tracy Martinez from Fotolia.com)

4

Apply at high-profile nanny agencies in an area where stars live. New York and Los Angeles both have a high celebrity population. You may need to relocate to make yourself readily available for job interviews. Quality nanny agencies accept a limited number of applicants. Review the agencies list of requirements before applying and brush up on your interview skills.

Live close to the celebrities while job searching. (Hollywood Sign image by crossgolfing from Fotolia.com)

5

Take small childcare jobs for celebrity families. Some stars hire a nanny to babysit for an evening or weekend, or to fill in temporarily for their regular nanny. Accept any small babysitting jobs offered to you by celebrity parents. Meeting star parents and their children gives you the opportunity to prove your childcare skills and you may end up getting hired full time, or have your services recommended to celebrity friends who need a nanny.

Take small babysitting jobs. (mom image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com)

Tips and warnings

You have the right to ask for employment details including whether or not you will receive employee benefits such as paid medical expenses. Your employer should provide you with detailed information on your job duties, work hours, sick days and vacation time.

Nannies usually have to go through background checks and psychological examinations, which may seem invasive.

Be prepared to sign a confidentiality agreement before you begin your new job. Celebrities value their privacy and will expect you to do the same.

Stars may have several homes in different locations, so anticipate a large amount of travel. Be prepared to care for children in hotel rooms and in other challenging locations such as movie sets, limousines or television studio green rooms.

Don't become a nanny for the stars to gain recognition or to have fun. Celebrity nannies work long hours and do not participate in glamorous events.